Things to Consider for Changing Your Name on a Passport

Passport is among the most significant travel documents needed for international travel. It comprises your name, address, SSN along with other private information. However, some people today find the need to change or update their name on the passport.


If you're looking forward to a name change, then you need to know about the correct method of doing it. In this article, Texas Passport Center will give you a thorough summary of how to change your name onto a US passport.

Is a Passport Name Change Required?

The passport serves as your identity and certifies that you are a citizen of a particular country. The US passport certifies that you’re a citizen of America.

The passport production process is a general stringent procedure. A great deal of documentation, verification, and examinations enter creating a legal passport for each candidate. And it takes anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to get a passport in the US.

All this will be to make sure that the information displayed on the passport is valid and correct from all angles. But despite this, some people must go for changing names or other information on the passport.

More often than not, women who underwent marriage and had their last name legally changed have to reflect this updated information on the passport. Other instances involve an alteration in biographical or geographical info.

A name change in the passport can be required In the event of typographical mistakes that are present in the passport. This almost makes the passport invalid to be used since there's a conflict of correctness. This results in rejection, delays, and frustration for passport holders. As conclusive, at times it does get necessary to change the name in the passport.

How to Change Your Name On Your Passport

Now that you know the name change is required in the passport, within this section, we will briefly cover how to do this legally. It's easy and straightforward, but you're expected to follow certain rules laid out by USCIS.

The process depends on the scenario under that you're asking for a name change on your passport. There are three potential situations. Depending upon the one you're in, you are expected to submit the proper supplement and it with applicable documents.

If it's Less than One Year After Issuing

If you need to change the name on your passport within one year of issuance, then you're expected to submit Form DS-5504, Application for the US Passport Corrections, and Name Change in 1 of issuance. It's a standard two-page form with 4 instructions page which covers everything that you have to know while filling up the form.

Here’s a rundown of what you will be asked in the Form DS-5504:
  • Name Your full name which you utilize legally. This should reflect on the different documents you provide.
  • Place of Birth: If you were born in the US, then specify the city and state. If outside the US, then mention Nation, Province, and City or however the machine is in this nation.
  • SSN: Your 9-digit Societal Security Number issued by the US government. If you don't have one, enter 000-00-0000
  • Height: Your precise height in feet and inches.
  • Permanent/Mailing Address: You can utilize a US-based address for either alternative. If you are a traveler from outside the US, then use your native location as a Permanent address and you can use the hotel you are staying in as your mailing address.
  • Telephone Number(s): You're required to provide a minimum of one valid phone number, preferably which can be used to readily reach you.
  • Email Address: A valid email address that you are authorized to use.
  • Emergency Contact Detail: Here are the contact details of the person who will be the initial point of contact for the Embassy or some other organization in case something happens to you.
  • Alias: You can provide names that you use in other documents besides your actual name.
  • Applying for a Passport Book, Passport Card, or Both: When submitting this form, you can apply for a passport book and a passport card. You need to specify your alternatives.

Documents Required for DS-5504

  • Existing Passport
  • Passport-size photos
  • Proof of name change

The documents that are accepted as evidence of title change are marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption certificate, court order, etc.. These documents must be original or a certified photocopy.

If It's More than One Year After Issuing

In the event of it's been 1 year since the passport was issued to you, then you’re required to submit the Form DS-82, Application for Passport Renewal by mail or you can get help from Passport Services in San Antonio. This is very similar to DS-5504 and the questions asked in this form are very much the same.

So just follow the instructions given and you are going to be all set. As its name suggests, you have to send this form by mail and there's no choice for submitting online.

Documents Necessary for DS-82
  • Latest passport book or passport card
  • Passport-size photos
  • Proof of name change

Should You Prove Your Name Change

Some people, both US-based and overseas nationals, can't offer evidence of the title change because of various reasons. However, they could still get their name changed on the passport. USCIS has another form for that purpose and that is Form DS-11.

All of the information you’ll be asked for is the same as in the case of DS-5504 and DS-82. But if you are submitting this form in particular, you are going to be requested to appear in person at a specified USCIS office and confirm the main reason for which you can't prove your title change.

Documents Necessary for DS-11
  • Updated Passport book or passport card
  • Recent Passport-size photo

At least 3 government-issued public records with date, place of birth, and title mentioned. The name should be used for five or more years.

Renew by Mail with Form DS-82

If you would like to renew your US passport, then you have to submit DS-82 for this purpose. Just choose the appropriate boxes from the application whilst submitting this form for renewal purposes.

When employing any forms online, you may experience errors and the portal may not take any data. If this happens persistently, then you are advised to get the form, complete it, and distribute it offline for greater results. The processing period is usually between 6-10 weeks but may acquire extended during peak seasons.

Conclusion

Therefore, whatever your reason is, even if you need to get your name changed in your passport, it is possible to adopt any of these methods mentioned previously. Got any queries? Just contact Texas Passport Center to get the correct information.